Even though the Cleveland Guardians haven’t even started the 2026 ALCS against the Tampa Bay Rays, it seems it’s never too early to look ahead to next season. Riding the wave of their thrilling Game 5 victory over the Chicago White Sox to win the ALDS, it’s hard not to think about the many successful seasons that could be ahead.
Cleveland has reached this point thanks to a talented collection of young players who meshed perfectly with the veterans who were already on hand. Now, with their first World Series appearance since 2016 well within reach, there’s a chance that the Guardians will be even better next year.
Bleacher Report analyst Kerry Miller is urging the Guardians to address a glaring roster hole in the offseason, saying they need to upgrade at first base and designated hitter.
“Biggest Roster Hole: First Base / Designated Hitter,” Miller wrote. “They do have Ralphy Velazquez waiting in the wings. He hit .326/.401/.761 with 18 home runs in his final 37 games at Triple-A Columbus this season, but they refused to call him up. Maybe he can bring the big lumber to first base in 2027? Even if he does, they could still use a right-handed bat at DH.”
Right now, Nathaniel Lowe is serving as the Guardians’ first baseman, and Jo Adell has been their primary DH for the first five games of the postseason. Each of them was acquired prior to the trade deadline in August, as Cleveland did address those areas of need.
Lowe can become a free agent after the season, so he could look to explore the market. Adell remains under club control via arbitration through next season before becoming eligible for free agency in 2028. His status with the Guardians is more tied to his potential price tag and a potential need for him in the outfield if they move on from Steven Kwan.
Meanwhile, Velazquez is undoubtedly Cleveland’s first baseman of the future, but when that arrives remains uncertain. The Guardians did not call him up this season in part because of concerns about a potential work stoppage and how that would affect his development. If Velazquez were on the 40-man roster, he would not be able to play in the minor leagues during a lockout or strike.
So, with a solution already available, the Guardians’ offseason needs may be best focused on DH, where they might finally be able to solve their need for right-handed power.
NEXT: Jo Adell Reveals What Stands Out About The Rays
